Warner Music Group has appointed Atlantic veteran Craig Kallman to the role of chief music officer for the company.
Based in New York, Kallman will report directly to WMG’s CEO Robert Kyncl.
The move comes following his nearly 35 years at Atlantic Records, where he served as chairman and CEO of the label for two decades before transitioning to chief music officer just over a year ago. He will now take on the same role across the major.
“In this elevated role, Kallman will provide his deep A&R expertise across WMG’s artist roster and label group globally,” said a statement.
In addition, Kallman will continue to sign new artists to Big Beat, the label that he originally founded in 1987 and has been part of WMG since he joined the company in 1991. Big Beat’s artists will be worked by one of WMG’s US labels.
The first Big Beat signing by Kallman in his new role is up-and-coming artist and producer Elkan, who produced Drake and PartyNextDoor’s hit Nokia. Elkan will be releasing his debut EP, The Baby Bundle, on Friday (December 12) via Atlantic Records.
Robert Kyncl said: “Craig has helped shape the sound and direction of modern music, leaving a lasting imprint on artists, fans, and the industry at large. With decades of experience working at the highest level with the biggest stars, he will be an invaluable creative force and deep resource in his new post… helping drive and support A&R strategy and artist development across WMG, signing exciting new talent, and collaborating with our label leaders to bring bold, original music to the world.”
Craig Kallman added: “I’m deeply grateful for my time at Atlantic, where I’ve had the privilege of contributing to the careers of so many remarkable artists. It’s been great seeing Elliot [Grainge, CEO] take the helm and open a bold new chapter in the label’s illustrious history.
“I am excited to take on this new role and work alongside our outstanding A&R teams around the world, while reimagining the Big Beat brand as a force across genres. As my first signing, Elkan is a statement of intent, which underscores my commitment to nurture and champion extraordinary, trailblazing talent.”
With decades of experience working at the highest level with the biggest stars, he will be an invaluable creative force and deep resource in his new post
Robert Kyncl
In October 2024, Kallman was named chief music officer of Atlantic Music Group. He served as chairman & CEO of Atlantic Records from 2005 to 2024, helping to shape the careers of a stars including Bruno Mars, Cardi B, Death Cab For Cutie, Lizzo, Wiz Khalifa, Kodak Black, Shinedown, Lil Uzi Vert, Janelle Monáe, and many more.
Kallman has also overseen the success of Grammy-winning cast albums such as Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, along with chart-topping soundtracks like The Greatest Showman.
A frequent hands-on collaborator with his artists, his credits include co-producing Cardi B’s I Like It, the first song by a female rapper to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.
Kallman began his music industry career while still a teenager, DJing at New York City clubs. In 1987, fresh out of college, he started the independent Big Beat label, selling dance records on the street from a shopping trolley. Four years later, Big Beat’s success in the dance and hip-hop underground prompted Atlantic to acquire the label and invite Kallman to join the company’s A&R department.
Advancing through the executive ranks, Kallman expanded his expertise across multiple genres, signing a string of artists, including Aaliyah, Notorious B.I.G. protégés Junior M.A.F.I.A. and Lil’ Kim, Sean Paul, T.I., P.O.D, and many others.
Alongside his label activities, Kallman is also an audiophile and vinyl collector, with an archive numbering 2.2 million recordings.
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